|
Some of these posts are very old and might contain outdated information. You may wish to search for newer posts instead.
|
agar
old hand


Registered: 11/21/04
Posts: 9,056
Loc: Somewhere Else
|
Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates.
#5421799 - 03/20/06 09:51 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
 Mono-tubs are an easy way to grow.
 PVC pipe is (very)inexpensive & easy to cut/adapt.
Soaker hoses are inexpensive (50 ft under $10)

Soaker hoses & PVC pipe are EASY to cut & adapt with PVC fittings.

Since mushroom fruit-bodies consist of 90% moisture. Establishing initial optimal substrate moisture levels, and maintaining them throughout the fruiting cycle, is at best tricky.
Mono tubs have no DRAINAGE provision Consequently, it is easy to mistakenly add excess moisture. And, very difficult to remove.
By drilling a hole in a tub, at or near the bottom. You can insert a length of soaker hose, or PVC pipe. A series of tiny holes must be drilled into the PVC pipe. And, a cap placed on the end of it.
You can use inner & outer slip on type compression PVC fittings & silicone sealant to secure the pipe or hose tightly to the tub wall.
For adding water. You must have a small length of PVC pipe to extend outward. On which you insert a 45 degree elbow. Then insert a length of vertical length of PVC pipe.
This creates a column, that you can insert a funnel into & add water.
For removing excess moisture.
You simply elevate the tub slightly. Remove the cap & allow any excess moisture to drain OUT. (into any sort of catch tray).
As an example. If your first flush of fresh fruits weighs 10 pounds. Those fruits have removed 9 pounds of moisture from the substrate. To replace that amount of moisture. You simply use the system outlined - above.
You can also use BOTH. A soaker hose for adding water. A PVC pipe drain for removing excess water.
--------------------
|
campinman
Fun-Guy


Registered: 09/01/05
Posts: 398
Loc: SoOn
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: agar]
#5421893 - 03/20/06 10:20 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
damn i never thought of that. thats a mighty good idea, as usual.
thanks!
-------------------- No statements made in any post or message by myself should be construed to mean that I am now, or have ever been, participating in or considering participation in any activities in violation of any local, state, or federal laws. All posts are works of fiction. "I wish my lawn was emo, so it would cut itself."
|
fungiamongi2
pharmer



Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 1,042
Last seen: 10 years, 9 months
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: campinman]
#5422124 - 03/20/06 11:26 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
you could use that to dunk it too it looks like
-------------------- gonna bring her a kiss, make those blues run
|
agar
old hand


Registered: 11/21/04
Posts: 9,056
Loc: Somewhere Else
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: fungiamongi2]
#5422160 - 03/20/06 11:40 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
fungiamongi2 said: you could use that to dunk it too it looks like
Substrate is inside the tub & about 4 inches deep.
The soaker hose and/or pvc pipe is IN the substrate.
No need to "dunk" anything. Nor, could you, without tearing the colonized substrate APART.
--------------------
|
Dexter_Morgan
Towlie's Mentor



Registered: 02/09/05
Posts: 6,666
Loc: higher than you
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: agar]
#5422181 - 03/20/06 11:51 AM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Is this a theoretical mycological hydrological optimizer? (I was dieing to use big words today. ) OR has it been tested?
-------------------- Uncleluke, getting his assbeat, then he tries to delete it http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/6355469#Post6355469 Tomato-Faced Banez http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/5933438#Post5933438 Dexter's Thesaurus beer = guinness smoke = vaporize pubers = reasons to be pro-choice
|
agar
old hand


Registered: 11/21/04
Posts: 9,056
Loc: Somewhere Else
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: Dexter_Morgan]
#5422315 - 03/20/06 12:34 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
It has been tested in a 4 foot long x 1 foot wide trough, with six inch substrate depth. And, worked out perfectly well.
It has not been tested in a mono-tub. As the larger test proved it functions. (at least to me)
--------------------
|
fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger


Registered: 03/12/02
Posts: 24,855
Loc: Pandurn
Last seen: 1 year, 12 days
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: agar]
#5422342 - 03/20/06 12:41 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
So, you're pumping water into the substrate and allowing excess to drain out then, eh? 
Basically, one could dump as much water in as one wanted without having to worry about it being too much, as all the excess would spill back out, right? Sounds pretty fool-proof, and I'm a fuckin' fool. 
 Peace.
--------------------
If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
|
kungpow
SeasonedPsychonaut


Registered: 10/05/05
Posts: 1,669
Loc: AaAaAaAa
Last seen: 3 years, 15 days
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: fireworks_god]
#5422357 - 03/20/06 12:46 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
WOW!! That is pretty awesome right there. Especially since I use monotubs. That is the only thing that I don't like about monotubs is that is it is hard to put the water back into the substrate. You have to mist it is a shitload in between flushes. Great little tek. Definitely worth a try.
~Peace OUt
-------------------- Monotub #3 - check out my best grow to date!!!!
|
agar
old hand


Registered: 11/21/04
Posts: 9,056
Loc: Somewhere Else
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: fireworks_god]
#5422399 - 03/20/06 12:58 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Not PUMPING
Gravity feed and/or drain.
--------------------
|
fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger


Registered: 03/12/02
Posts: 24,855
Loc: Pandurn
Last seen: 1 year, 12 days
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: agar]
#5422411 - 03/20/06 01:00 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
agar said: Not PUMPING
Gravity feed and/or drain.
I know that; I didn't mean literally pumping, just that water was being circulated through the substrate. I guess I better be more careful with my wording. 
 Peace.
--------------------
If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
|
ChefMushroom
Stranger
Registered: 03/16/06
Posts: 52
Last seen: 17 years, 9 months
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: agar]
#5441182 - 03/25/06 02:08 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
For adding water. You must have a small length of PVC pipe to extend outward. On which you insert a 45 degree elbow. Then insert a length of vertical length of PVC pipe.
This creates a column, that you can insert a funnel into & add water.
You probably could also just use a coupler and an extra piece of hose... that way you can just unscrew the extra hose when not needed, plus then you could have an extra capped end (on the coupler).
|
agar
old hand


Registered: 11/21/04
Posts: 9,056
Loc: Somewhere Else
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: ChefMushroom]
#5441418 - 03/25/06 03:54 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
That is what's great about PVC pipe. There are 100's of fittings available, slip on, threaded, so-on-&-so forth.
--------------------
|
ChefMushroom
Stranger
Registered: 03/16/06
Posts: 52
Last seen: 17 years, 9 months
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: agar]
#5441782 - 03/25/06 06:03 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I was talking about elminating the need for pvc.... just put a hose coupler in the end of the soaker hose - with the coupler sealed in the tub wall. Connect a regular section of regular hose (no soaker holes) to the hose coupler and pour water into the hose, maybe you could even use a clear tube and make it like a beer bong?
Would it be safe to leave water sitting in the hose; would the mycelium suck it up like a capillary/sponge action? Then you could just add water when you see the level is low?
|
trauma47645
The MushroomKing


Registered: 02/09/06
Posts: 771
Loc: Somewhere in this place c...
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: ChefMushroom]
#5441823 - 03/25/06 06:13 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I wonder if there was a way you could add a nutrient mix to the water to increase the amount of nutrients available to the mycelium. that would really improve output
|
ChefMushroom
Stranger
Registered: 03/16/06
Posts: 52
Last seen: 17 years, 9 months
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: trauma47645]
#5441872 - 03/25/06 06:28 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I read in a tek that you can use the leftover water from when you pasteurize hpoo.
|
Omnicracker
Crusted Trolltivator

Registered: 09/18/05
Posts: 1,421
Loc: Wal-Merica
|
Re: Adding & removing moisture in bulk tub substrates. [Re: ChefMushroom]
#5792482 - 06/26/06 01:03 PM (17 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Would you have to sterilize the hose? would it survive in a PC? seems like a serious contam vector (especially since its inside and not visible) being that its almost like a sponge.
|
|